Dominican Republic stuns U.S.

Dominican Republic designated hitter Erick Aybar, left, second base Robinson Cano, center, and shortstop Jose Reyes reacts after Hanley Hamirez hits a single during the sixth inning of the World Baseball Classic game against Italy at Marlins Park in Miami on Tuesday, March 12, 2013. (AP Photo/El Nuevo Herald, David Santiago) MAGS OUT

MIAMI — Horns honked, percussion pulsed and school kids squealed. Miami can make quite a din when the Dominicans win.

The visiting team on the scoreboard, the Dominican Republic made itself at home by beating the United States 3-1 Thursday night to earn a berth in the final round of the World Baseball Classic.

Pinch hitter Erick Aybar singled home the go-ahead run in the ninth for the Dominicans, who improved to 5-0. They’re assured of a spot in the semifinals beginning Sunday in San Francisco, where two-time defending champion Japan and the Netherlands have already advanced.

The United States must now play Puerto Rico on Friday night, with the winner earning a trip to San Francisco and the loser being eliminated.